Age of Renewal Documentary reaches Finalist Status at Sweeping Plains Film Festival
My documentary Age of Renewal has been named a FINALIST at the inaugural Sweeping Plains Film Festival 2026.
For an independent filmmaker, every festival selection means something. But this one feels particularly special because the festival team connected with the story, impact and creative voice behind Age of Renewal.
A documentary with a purpose
Age of Renewal is a documentary that is very close to my heart. The film tells a story about people, possibility and the difference that can be made when we choose to give people and technology another chance.
Making independent films is a long road. There are the obvious challenges of writing, filming, editing and getting the finished project out into the world, but then comes another challenge: finding the right audiences.
That’s why film festivals matter.
A festival recognition gives an independent film another opportunity to be seen, discussed and connected with audiences who might otherwise never discover it.
Finalist at Sweeping Plains Film Festival
Being named a finalist at the Sweeping Plains Film Festival 2026 is another step in the journey for Age of Renewal.
The festival told us they were thrilled to include the film because it resonated with their team and connected with them through its story, impact and creative voice.
As a filmmaker, that’s the kind of feedback you hope for.
You spend months, sometimes years, putting everything you have into a project, and eventually you have to let it go and see how other people respond to it.
So yes, I’m bloody proud of this one.
The festival journey continues
Age of Renewal has now begun building its festival journey, and I’m excited to see where it goes next.
For me, filmmaking has always been about telling stories that have something to say. I don’t want to simply make films and put them online; I want to create work that starts conversations, connects with people and hopefully leaves something behind.
Being named a finalist at the inaugural Sweeping Plains Film Festival is another little milestone along that road.
And there’s plenty more to come.
Age of Renewal. Finalist. Sweeping Plains Film Festival 2026.
Bloody good.
About Age of Renewal
Age of Renewal is an Australian documentary created by filmmaker Mark Regan. The film explores the transformative potential of technology, community and opportunity, while highlighting the people behind a project designed to give renewed life and purpose to technology that might otherwise be discarded.
The film is now continuing its festival journey, with further screenings and selections to come.
If you’d like to follow my filmmaker journey, from behind‑the‑scenes moments through to festival screenings, subscribe to my YouTube channel, where I’ll be sharing updates, insights, and the creative process as the documentary comes to life.